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phbarnhart · 03-06-2014, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phbarnhart

Yes, the new Denali is very interesting in that regard. My understanding is that the 6.2 is a really lovely engine. Now if I could just get over that Denali styling...

After doing a little digging it looks like the Denali idea has a small flaw. The payload capacity is less than the Suburban's by a couple hundred pounds. I imagine that 6.2 weighs a little more than the 5.3 and they share the same chassis...

Denali Capacities

Roadtech · 03-06-2014, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phbarnhart

After doing a little digging it looks like the Denali idea has a small flaw. The payload capacity is less than the Suburban's by a couple hundred pounds. I imagine that 6.2 weighs a little more than the 5.3 and they share the same chassis...

To gain that much extra HP and torque, it's worth sacrificing 200 lbs of payload.

2012FB · 03-06-2014, 05:41 PM

Our 2010 Denali was the worst TV we have had! It is setup as a suburban cruiser. The exhaust sound was wonderful until under load and then the drone was absolutely horrendous. I tried to get GMC to put a stock Suburban exhaust on, but OH NO. The 6.2 and six speed auto was programed very poorly for towing in my opinion. Even shifting manual was a pain. I'd ask about software updates every time I took it in. Mileage was 8ish at 5 over. Perhaps all has been improved in the latest model but I would really want to tow with one first.

Quote:

Originally Posted by subfan1

The New Denali with the 6.2l engine should be rated in the plus 8000 lb range which is more than enough for the 25 footers.

phbarnhart · 03-06-2014, 05:52 PM

That's one of the challenges for me in all this; you've pretty much got to buy the thing before you can tow with it but you want to tow with it before you buy it.

subfan1 · 03-06-2014, 07:48 PM

2012fb, did you have an aftermarket exhaust installed on your Denali? Because you stated you wanted a GMC exhaust system installed.
I would very much want to know your experience with the 6 SPF auto not well suited for towing. What did you not like about it? I'd like to know because if it is not a good tow vehicle then when the time comes to sell our Tahoe I don't think the Denali would be my choice then. I really like what I see it photos. I hope they'll be out soon. The Yukon's look great and the interiors are fantastic

Sbb · 03-06-2014, 08:15 PM

I purchased 2500 burban in December, took a while to find. My dealer told me they would be back, all new design. I turned in a 2008 1500 with over 100k. I did not wAnt to wait a couple more years. I pack to full capacity for my job and tow a bambi. I am anxious to see how it will all tow this year when I start my season in May. Gas milelage not so good, piece of mind traveling mostly alone and maxed out payload wise, priceless. Btw, I do notfi d the ride any different or rougher in the 2500. The tow mirrors however can be dicey in tight spots. I eirher park far away or pull them in.

handn · 03-06-2014, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andreasduess

That's supposed to be good on fuel? I get that number whilst towing. Some of the Jeep diesels report 20mpg and up, whilst towing.

How can they justify releasing a car, in this day and age, with such lousy mileage?

20 mpg towing? I am from Missouri, show me.

phbarnhart · 03-07-2014, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sbb

Btw, I do notfi d the ride any different or rougher in the 2500. The tow mirrors however can be dicey in tight spots. I eirher park far away or pull them in.

That's very interesting to me. I replaced a 2010 1500 with a 2012 2500 and found the ride comfort and handling to be markedly worse in the 2500, especially when driving solo. I'm not necessarily saying that it's BAD in the 2500 but the suspension is extremely stiff and the larger engine makes quite a bit more noise while driving around.

You're spot on about those tow mirrors though; they're great to have when towing and a PITA almost all the time otherwise.

andreasduess · 03-07-2014, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handn

20 mpg towing? I am from Missouri, show me.

Talk to the Jeep CD diesel owners on this forum. Reportedly, 20mpg.

I get up to 15 out of my Ody.

Jammer · 03-07-2014, 02:32 PM

I've never been sure whether the MPG problem I have is due to my suburban or due to a lack of, how shall we say, skill in calculating MPGs compared to the Jeep guys.

andreasduess · 03-07-2014, 03:05 PM

I am not sure what you mean by that - calculating the mpg with a modern vehicle is a simple as taking a quick glance at the dash, no?

The Suburbans deliver atrocious gas mileage, especially by today's standards and even compared to some of more modern trucks. I suspect that the availability of fuel efficient seven seaters with decent towing ability - MB, Dodge and Jeep come to mind - has helped hastening their demise.

dznf0g · 03-07-2014, 03:23 PM

It's been my experience that the Sub (ESC and Yukon XL) gets pretty much the same mileage as it 1/2 ton PU counterpart with the same powertrain. I just don't get your "atrocious" statement. 18.5ish solo and 11ish towing my 30'er. GCW is right at 15,500 to 16,000, depending on toys loaded. Every pound has its cost.

rostam · 03-07-2014, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andreasduess

I am not sure what you mean by that - calculating the mpg with a modern vehicle is a simple as taking a quick glance at the dash, no?

The Suburbans deliver atrocious gas mileage, especially by today's standards and even compared to some of more modern trucks. I suspect that the availability of fuel efficient seven seaters with decent towing ability - MB, Dodge and Jeep come to mind - has helped hastening their demise.

Andy, if I am not mistaken you have a vintage Airstream. Those are narrower than modern Airstreams, hence yield better fuel economy for your TV. You won't get the same fuel economy towing a modern Airstream.

I agree that fuel economy of Suburban is not good. Makes a lot of sense to have a light duty diesel engine in those.

Jwestman · 03-07-2014, 06:06 PM

Interesting reading the comments about European tongue weights. The Porche Cayenne which is the same rig as the Touareg shows a 616 tongue weight. 1,157 pounds with weight distribution according to Porsche of Delaware

Chuck · 03-07-2014, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rostam

Andy, if I am not mistaken you have a vintage Airstream. Those are narrower than modern Airstreams, hence yield better fuel economy for your TV. You won't get the same fuel economy towing a modern Airstream.

.

I know a guy who owns a 60's Caravel, and a late-model 30-footer...pulled by the same vehicle, they get the same mpg. One weighs a fraction of the other, but they both poke the same hole in the air, and that's where the real work lies. (until you go slow up a steep mountain.) The vintage unit has a smaller profile, but not by that much.

SteveSueMac · 03-07-2014, 07:35 PM

Apologies in advance for the complete ignorance here - but why not a 3/4 ton diesel Suburban? Is such a beast a reality?? I'm imagining the drivetrain I have in my truck living on a Suburban shell - that would be pretty darn cool!

2012FB · 03-07-2014, 08:00 PM

The Denali exhaust was stock. It sounds great (deep rich tone) around town but when loaded and pulling a grade it produces incredible in-cabin drone.

The transmission would short shift unless you really kept your foot in it. It always seemed to be hunting. Even in manual it would still try to upshift. It is really setup as a luxury cruiser not even remotely a tow vehicle. I would stick with an upgraded Suburban.

I think a lot of the issues with a non tow mode TV is all the manufactures are trying to get the last tiny bit of mileage rating. Even the new MB sedans have the forced Eco mode. Every time you get in it you now have to turn Eco mode off or it constantly shuts down and starts back up in stop and go traffic. The transmission is in 5th by the time you get 100 feet unless you bury the pedal. Mileage is trumping a decent driving experience on the latest models.

Quote:

Originally Posted by subfan1

2012fb, did you have an aftermarket exhaust installed on your Denali? Because you stated you wanted a GMC exhaust system installed.
I would very much want to know your experience with the 6 SPF auto not well suited for towing. What did you not like about it? I'd like to know because if it is not a good tow vehicle then when the time comes to sell our Tahoe I don't think the Denali would be my choice then. I really like what I see it photos. I hope they'll be out soon. The Yukon's look great and the interiors are fantastic

2012FB · 03-07-2014, 08:12 PM

The Touareg expressly prohibits the use of a WDH and is the same mechanics as used on the Cayenne. 1,157 pounds on either would rip an unreinforced hitch right off the back in no time. The dealer is dead wrong. Inquire with Andy at Can-Am RV for the truth. He reinforces Touareg, Cayenne and ML/GL every week.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jwestman

Interesting reading the comments about European tongue weights. The Porche Cayenne which is the same rig as the Touareg shows a 616 tongue weight. 1,157 pounds with weight distribution according to Porsche of Delaware

subfan1 · 03-07-2014, 08:13 PM

Does anyone know if the transmissions are the same on all the suv's? I have the old 4 speed 4l65E and it works fine. I would think more speeds means more shifts? The Denalis horsepower rating on the 2015 model is 420 or so with 460 Foot pounds of torque. Sweet!

phbarnhart · 03-08-2014, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subfan1

Does anyone know if the transmissions are the same on all the suv's? I have the old 4 speed 4l65E and it works fine. I would think more speeds means more shifts? The Denalis horsepower rating on the 2015 model is 420 or so with 460 Foot pounds of torque. Sweet!

My understanding is that all the new 1/2 ton GM SUVs have the same 6speed transmission. The old 3/4 had the same heavy duty version found in the 3/4 ton Silverado gasser. And yes, the Denali's 460 lb. ft. of torque is pretty darn interesting.